Long gone are the days of traditional public schools; charter schools are becoming more popular with society as a whole. Online charter schools are even better since they minimize the need for travel or classroom space. But are charter schools all that they’re hyped up to be? Do they offer some benefits that public schools just can’t provide? Are you thinking about moving your child from the public school system into a network that will help them flourish and grow into a fully realized adult? Here’s everything you need to know about online charter schools and how they could benefit your children.
The Sudden Surge Of Charter Schools
An online charter school has become the standard for parents. Online charter schools are rapidly overtaking traditional public schools at an astonishing rate. This phenomenon can be attributed to the intersection of two significant trends: the rise of online learning and the expansion of charter schools. The pandemic was the initial catalyst for this new development, with 93 percent of parents with school-aged children having been involved in some form of distance learning by August 2020.
It doesn’t hurt that charter schools have been steadily increasing in popularity over the past decade. Between 2000 and 2017 alone, enrollment in public charter schools grew by 2.7 million students. These two critical elements—online learning and the charter school model—are converging to create a formidable force. This force is not only surpassing traditional public schools but is also poised to advance significantly beyond these declining institutions.
Public Schools Aren’t Able To Keep Up Anymore
The collective goal of every leader in education is to ensure the success of educational institutions across the spectrum. Regrettably, the conventional public school system in the United States has become increasingly antiquated, leading to a decline in learning outcomes. The latest National Report Card reveals that fewer than 25% of high school seniors demonstrate proficiency in mathematics or science.
It is disheartening to note that numerous traditional public schools are inherently designed for failure. This is largely due to overcrowding, which hampers progress. As schools become more congested, teachers are stretched thin and are expected to achieve educational outcomes without sufficient time to foster meaningful learning experiences. Consequently, many students are overlooked and miss the personalized education necessary for their development.
Antiquated Schedules No Longer Work
At one time, education adhered strictly to a fixed bell schedule may have once been deemed effective, but that time has passed. Today, students are increasingly mobile, engaged online, and integrated with mobile technology. Notably, nearly 40 percent of parents report that their child possesses a smartphone. Given the opportunity to learn from virtually any location at any time, it is illogical for contemporary students to be confined to a rigid timetable.
Moreover, the pressure to prepare for early school hours or to hurry home for extracurricular activities can adversely affect a student’s health and overall well-being. While bell schedules impact all students, certain groups are particularly hindered by the limitations imposed by traditional public school structures, such as:
● student athletes: their days are filled with practice, training, events, and other responsibilities that leave very little time to adhere to the bell schedule of a regular public school.
● homeschoolers: they are known to learn more effectively in a flexible environment, while traditional school is definitely more strict than they’re used to.
● performing artists: in-depth practice and travel schedules can make it difficult for these students to get the most out of their school days.
Public Schools Aren’t Built For Change
Traditional public schools, in contrast to charter schools, are accountable to district school boards. These boards can be quite large, which often complicates the process of implementing changes. The necessity for these schools to maneuver through extensive bureaucratic procedures can hinder the ability to effectuate even minor adjustments, much less significant advancements in instruction.
How Online Charter Schools Will Change Learning
Online charter schools have plenty to offer, especially with the world and technology constantly changing around students. They are more flexible in their structure so that they can be changed when it’s needed. Online charter schools will also:
● Provide more personalized programs: technological advancements have reached unprecedented levels, creating a new realm of educational opportunities. For example, certain online charter schools have implemented self-paced programs that tailor themselves to the individual requirements of each learner. This approach ensures that students receive the necessary support while alleviating undue pressure on educators.
● Makes the learning process more mobile: as students, parents, and educational leaders increasingly embrace online platforms, the expansion of mobile learning is anticipated. Currently, 96 percent of Americans possess a mobile device, a trend that is expected to create additional opportunities for learning while on the move in the future.
● Improve their coursework through analytics: with advancements in technology, educational institutions are increasingly utilizing analytics to identify academic challenges and assess performance. Indeed, progressive schools incorporate technology with integrated analytics within their online learning platforms. This integration facilitates instructors in understanding the necessary elements for student development, enabling them to provide education that effectively guides students toward achieving their objectives
● Are more flexible in nature: as students and parents increasingly engage in online activities, it is unlikely that they will confine themselves to a traditional classroom setting. Consequently, it is anticipated that educational institutions will evolve to become more adaptable and focused in the future.
Online charter schools are certainly positioned to surpass traditional public schools and succeed in the future. Nevertheless, this does not imply that every online charter institution will provide the educational results that your student requires. It’s important that you take the time to do the necessary research to find an online charter school that is not only suitable for your child but will also set them up for success later on in life.
If you are interested in enrolling your child in an online charter school, speak to a representative of the online charter school you’re interested in so that you can start the process of enrolling your child as soon as possible.
